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Pygott & Crone Newsletter: Latest Property Market Updates
In this months edition of the Pygott & Crone newsletter, we take a look at the surge in demand for detached homes due to house hunters priorities changing, demanding more space and bigger rooms.
Are you a landlord? If so we urge you to make sure you have complied with the new electrical safety regulations before the deadline on April 1st or you could risk fines. Further, into our newsletter, we share with you 6 top tips to prepare your garden for summer so you can enjoy the outside.
Finally, if your property is currently up for sale, then we've got some useful tips ways to make your home look more attractive for property viewings.
We hope you enjoy this months edition! If you have any property queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Multiple gold awards won at the annual negotiator awards
We are delighted to announce that a very successful year for us has been recognised at the annual Negotiator Awards, the property event of the year. We were shortlisted in four categories and are delighted to have achieved three gold awards.
Click here to read Multiple gold awards won at the annual negotiator awards .
Aladdin
From now until Sunday 19 January
Performances at the Riverhead Theatre
Click here to read Aladdin.
Toy Collectors Fair
Sunday 26 January
Family friendly jam packed Toy collectors fair at the Epic Centre
Click here to read Toy Collectors Fair.
Dog Friendly Day
Saturday 8 February
Unlock 1,000 years of history with your furry companion at Lincoln Castle
Click here to read Dog Friendly Day.
Preparing your property for sale
With demand for property prior to lockdown soaring, there are sure to be plenty of motivated buyers waiting now that the property market restrictions are relaxed, therefore now is an ideal time to prepare your property for a quick sale.
Kerb appeal
As is always the case with selling properties, a first impression can make or break a sale with a poorly presented property often putting off buyers before they have even set foot in the home. In the summer this is especially important as buyers will often drive or walk past a property before they decide to book a viewing. With the summer sun shining a light on any less-than-perfect parts of the exterior of your property, you should ensure that flowers are planted, weeds are pruned and lawns are mowed. Extra attention to details, such as ensuring that the front door has been cleaned and the windows are streak-free will pay dividends in your selling process.
Accessories
A neutral interior will appeal to a mass market and increase the scope of your property in terms of potential buyers, but if you are looking to make the most of the summer then don’t be afraid of colour. Using accessories to add pops of colour around your home that reflect the brighter summer season – such as burnt orange and lemon – will make your property stand out from the crowd in those all-important photographs.
Lights
When we think of summer, we all first think of sunshine and brighter evenings – so make the most of this light when presenting your home for sale. Get rid of heavy curtains and dark blinds, which can make a room feel smaller and prevent the light from entering a room. Buyers want to feel that rooms are bright and spacious, so if at all possible have windows and doors open throughout the house to create a light, airy feeling (as well as bringing in those fresh summer scents).
Set dress
Set dressing refers to the arranging of a room or space in order to paint a picture of the kind of lifestyle which could be enjoyed in your property. Never is it more important to set dress your garden than throughout the summer months, with potential buyers wanting to know that they will be able to enjoy the outdoor space which your home provides. Tempt potential buyers by showing off your outdoor spaces with garden furniture, fire pits and barbecues.
Viewing times
During the summer months many people like to start work early and leave early in order to benefit from the longer evenings; make sure that you can accommodate as many viewings as possible by being flexible with your viewing times. Allowing people to view your home early in the morning, as well as in the afternoon will help bring more people through the door as well as showing off your property in favourable lighting.
How to make your own face mask
As the country enters the next stage of its strategy to ease the lockdown restrictions whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new advice to the public on how to stay safe whilst in public spaces (such as shops and public transport). The Government has asked people to wear face masks to cover their nose and mouth where social distancing is not possible. This advice has been detailed in the Government Covid-19 recovery strategy, detailing its plans for lifting the UK out of lockdown; which can be viewed here.
To prevent any additional pressure to the NHS in obtaining crucial PPE supplies, the Government has issued instructions on how to make your own face mask at home, by simply using elastic bands and some cotton fabric or even just an old T-shirt. Your face mask should be worn so that you can breathe comfortably whilst covering your nose and mouth. You should sanitise or wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off, and you should wash your face mask regularly.
We share how to make your own face mask at home below*:
Making a face mask using an old T Shirt
You will need
• One old T-shirt that you no longer want
• Scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
Making a face mask using a piece of cotton fabric
You will need
• two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric
• two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)
• needle and thread
• scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.*Our step by step guides have been taken from the Gov.uk website here
How to make your own face mask
As the country enters the next stage of its strategy to ease the lockdown restrictions whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new advice to the public on how to stay safe whilst in public spaces (such as shops and pubic transport). The Government has asked people to wear face masks to cover their nose and mouth where social distancing is not possible. This advice has been detailed in the Government Covid-19 recovery strategy, detailing its plans for lifting the UK out of lockdown; which can be viewed here.
To prevent any additional pressure to the NHS in obtaining crucial PPE supplies, the Government has issued instructions on how to make your own face mask at home, by simply using elastic bands and some cotton fabric or even just an old T-shirt. Your face mask should be worn so that you can breathe comfortably whilst covering your nose and mouth. You should sanitise or wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off, and you should wash your face mask regularly.
We share how to make your own face mask at home below:
Making a face mask using an old T-shirt
You will need
- One old T-shirt that you no longer want
- Scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
Making a face mask using a piece of cotton fabric
You will need
• two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric• two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)• needle and thread• scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.*Our step by step guides have been taken from the Gov.uk website here
Are you asking these key questions when you buy or sell?
A recent study has revealed the 'most dreaded' and unusual questions buyers have asked about a property before putting in an offer.
With a small minority asking whether the pets come included in the sale, it’s fair to say that not all of the responses are winners.
However, the report by Hillarys has shed light on just how many Brits lack proper preparation during the home buying process.
Up to two-thirds will not plan their questions ahead of a house viewing, meaning they are not getting the full value out of the experience, as well as potentially wasting an opportunity to find out all of the property’s pros and cons earlier on.
The most dreaded questions from buyers:
Has it dropped in value? 54%What local plans could affect us? 42%What’s the lowest price we could get it for? 33%Is the seller in a chain? 21% To help you make the most of your viewings the next time you decide to buy or sell, we thought we'd share practical suggestions for you to consider. What are some of the more serious questions you should be asking?Whether you're instructing an agent or viewing a property, how prepared you are will determine how quickly you're able to move.Are you asking these key questions:1. Exactly what is included in the sale? Whilst it's safe to assume most sellers will want to keep their pets, it's important to outline what content might be included, such as fixtures, fittings and garden furniture.2. How long has it been on the market and how many offers have they received so far?3. When are the sellers looking to move out? Knowing whether they've already found another home or they're still in the midst of looking will help you to determine how long the process may take and how much room for uncertainty there is.4. Have there been recent renovations or any difficulties with boilers, drains and guttering?5. How did the agent decide on an asking price? Good agents will be able to provide justifications for the value of a property, so you'll know whether it's listed at the right amount or if it's overpriced. What to ask when selling:1. How will you market my property? Are they regularly contacting a database of suitable applicants to give you greater market exposure, or does their strategy start and end with a basic Rightmove listing?2. What are your success metrics and how do they compare to other agents? In other words, what's their experience selling a home like yours at a price like yours?3. How much will you charge? Choosing the agent who offers the lowest fees won't guarantee you reach asking price and you may lose time and money on the market, be savvy when you instruct representation for your property investments.4. What are the contract terms? Before beginning any contractual relationship, know exactly what it is you should expect from them.If you're thinking of selling and want to find out the value of your home, contact us.
Market your house correctly for a speedy, seasonal sale
The property market has continued to experience remarkable levels of activity.
In the first week of August, properties at SSTC (Sold Subject to Contract) were almost at double their number compared to figures from the same period in 2019. This indicates a significant release of pent-up demand due to lockdown.
If you, like a lot of homeowners right now, are considering putting your property on the market, here are some of the ways to market your house well to potential buyers.
Make sure your property images are professional
In order to get viewings, you need to reel them in with your property advert.
Make sure your photos are clear and focused. If it is a cloudy day, see if you can rearrange the shoot. There is nothing nicer than a clear blue sky!
Increase your kerb appeal
It takes just seven seconds for somebody to make their first impression of your property, so make sure your property’s exterior is the best it can be. You want them to walk down the drive feeling impressed and excited to go inside.
Some easy ways to do this is to give your front door or fencing a fresh lick of paint, put up some hanging baskets to add colour, pull out any weeds, move the bins out of sight and make sure the lawn is mowed.
De-clutter
The hallway is famous for housing plenty of clutter: shoes, coats, handbags. Make sure everything that can be put away is tucked out of sight to make it appear more spacious.
As some hallways can be dark and narrow, adding a mirror to a wall can give the illusion of space and can also brighten it up.
A kitchen is a big selling point, so make sure all desktops are wiped down and free of clutter.
Give your viewers space
Let your viewers freely wander around your home with the agent.
This will make them feel much more comfortable asking questions and it also means they might take their time in each room.
Be ready to answer any questions after the viewing. Also be sure to leave hand sanitiser dotted around your property, so not only you but also your viewers will feel comfortable.
Make the most of outdoor space
Since lockdown, we have noticed a real shift in property priorities.
Everybody is putting outdoor space at the top of their agendas, so make sure your garden is well showcased.
If this is an impromptu house viewing, you might not have time to lay a new flower bed, but make sure the lawn is freshly mown, trees and shrubs are cut back to create more space, weeds are removed, and outside furniture is laid out nicely.
10% price surge for detached homes due to house hunters demanding more space
Since the property market reopened last summer, we've seen a market boom that's led to record activity for new listings and sales agreed in the UK, as homeowners rush to find somewhere more suited to their lockdown needs and lifestyle.
The average price of a detached home was £486,595 in December 2020, which when compared to the previous year is a massive increase of £43,364.
This increase in value seems to be directly related to the fact that house hunters are seeking properties with more space since the emergence of the pandemic, as well as the start of the working from home new norm.
The second highest increase year-on-year were for semi-detached properties, which increased 6.26% to £287,313.
Russell Galley, Managing Director at Halifax, said: “as many continue to work from home, this has led to a significant increase in demand for bigger properties, which has likely driven the boost in price we’ve seen in detached homes versus other property types.
“Over the past six months, the average UK house price has risen by 6.3%, making it the market’s best half-year performance since early 2007.”
In the last two decades, the price of a detached home in the UK has trebled. In 2000, a typical detached property could be bought for an average of £164,820.
However, it’s the last five years which have seen the sharpest price increase.
In 2015, the jump from a semi-detached to detached home would be just under £150k, with the gap widening to just under £200k in 2020.
How much could your property have increased in value by? If you've not yet obtained an updated market appraisal for your home, you could be unaware of its value in light of current market conditions.
To get started with your next sale or purchase, visit our website today or talk to us directly to book your valuation.
6 Tips to prepare your garden for summer
Spring has officially sprung! After a cold and gloomy winter, the weather is finally getting warmer, the birds are chirping, and our natural surroundings are seeing a new lease of life. If you're a keen gardener, now's the time to venture out and start preparing your outdoor space for the sunny months ahead.
1. Start with clearing any debris, dead leaves or rubbish from the garden. Over the cold months, with high winds and cooler weather, your garden may be looking a little worse for wear. You should also use a rake to freshen the soil and add any compost or fertiliser to ensure it has all the nutrients needed to maintain plant health.
2. Take care of overgrown grass and give your lawn a general tidy. Make sure your lawnmower is regularly serviced and the blades are sharp. Opt for lower blades for a short cut all over, to ensure it grows back even and healthy.
3. Clear out the greenhouse to prepare for the seedlings and cuttings of spring. Remove any debris or dead leaves from the inside and wash out any pots and seed trays. You should also clean away algae, moss and dirt, collecting on the inside and the outside of the glass. This will help let in more light and remove any potential homes for pests and disease.
4. Make your own compost. There are so many things we throw away in our households that are ideal nutrients to help plants grow healthy. You can purchase a basic compost bin or if you're feeling creative, make your own out of any spare palettes or wood. Start adding vegetable and fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. Make sure to turn it every month to allow air to circulate.
5.Time to prune and remove any dead, damaged and diseased branches from the cold months to keep your plants vigorous and healthy. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs and shape plants once new growth appears. Make sure you keep your tools sharp as well as clean, removing any dirt or debris after using and wiping the blade with oil to prevent rusting.
Landlords urged to comply with electrical safety regulation or risk fines
What are the new electrical safety standards?
The new electrical safety standards require landlords to ensure the safety of all electrical wiring and fixed electrical installations are tested and signed off for each of their properties.
If the test highlights any investigative or corrective work, the landlord has 28 days to rectify the issue.
What exactly needs to be tested?
The fixed electrical parts of the property, including; wiring, socket outlets, light fittings, fuse box, showers and extractor fans.
What does not need to be tested?
The new regulations state that the tenant is responsible for portable electrical appliances and therefore tests on these items are not required.
However, it is recommended that the landlord carries out tests on the portable appliance items they provide for good practice.*
When will the new standards be enforced?
For existing tenancies, an electrical safety test will need to be carried out by 1st April 2021.
For new tenancies, all electrical installations must be tested before the tenancy begins.
Who can carry out the electrical safety test?
Only a qualified electrician can carry out the test. Guidance for choosing a competent tester:
- Electrical Safety Roundtable
- Registered Competent Person Electrical single mark and register
What do you need to do as a landlord once the test has been completed?
- Provide a copy of the electrical safety report to each tenant in their existing properties within 28 days of the inspection.
- If requested, provide the local authority with a copy within seven days.
- Supply a copy of the safety report carried out to the electrician conducting the next safety report.
- Provide a copy of the most recent report to any new tenants.
- If requested, provide a copy of the most recent report to any new prospective tenants within 28 days.
- Electrical installations must then be tested every five years.
What happens if landlords do not carry out corrective work highlighted by the report?
The local authority has the right to enter the property (with the tenant's permission) to rectify the problem and will notify the landlord of this action.
The local authority can then bill landlords for the cost of any work completed by them.
If any issues highlighted within the report are not rectified within 28 days, landlords will potentially be faced with a fine of up to £30,000.
Landlords have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against any decision of the local authority.
Due to current restrictions with the pandemic, many within the sector are concerned about ensuring their compliance in time with qualified help.
If you'd like to talk about this in more detail, visit our website or learn more about our services for landlords.
*GOV.UK
Make your home look more attractive for property viewings
For a lot of us spring is the season for making changes at home, whether it’s having a declutter, spring clean or improving the way our space functions on a day-to-day basis. However, if your home no longer suits your lifestyle, you may be thinking about putting your property on the market. Here are a few ways to ensure your home look more attractive to prospective buyers on a viewing.
1. Choose a colour for your front door that matches your natural surroundings. Depending on where you live, greens, creams and browns are great for complimenting the countryside and blues and pastels work well to compliment the seaside. It’s a small price to pay to freshen up the exterior of your property, to ensure it looks attractive and fits well with the rest of the neighbourhood.
2. Give your front and rear garden a little TLC. Whether it’s doing some sweeping, weeding or using the pressure washer on the driveway, it all makes a difference. You should also keep your general outside areas well maintained, and put any clutter such as outside waste, machinery, bikes, toys etc neatly out of sight. This will help make your garden look bigger and give prospective buyers a better insight into how they could utilise the space.
3. Reset and clear your day-to-day areas so that you are only displaying what’s necessary. This doesn't mean getting rid of your most precious items but try to avoid general clutter, leaving out confidential and personal belongings, as well as any furniture that may be obstructing walkways. Clearing the space for viewings is a small price to pay to showcase the best of what your property has to offer. Ideally, you should also make sure that any pets you have are temporarily elsewhere for the duration of the viewing.
4. Depersonalise your home and provide a blank canvas for buyers, so they can imagine how the space will work for them. An easy way to do this is to neutralise any bright interior walls or carpets. Some interior styling and decoration may suit one taste but not another, so it’s important to avoid hindering the potential that buyers see. It’s best to keep it simple, and although light coloured walls and carpets are a little unimaginative, they will always do the trick.
5. Give your home a thorough clean and ensure it’s well presented for viewings. It may not be possible to scrub it top to bottom but making sure your carpets are clean, your shelves are dusted, and your doors and windows are sparkling will make a big difference. You will be surprised how dirty they get when utilised daily, especially if you have any children or pets.
6. Once your space is clean, decluttered and back to neutral you can add some scented touches. Displaying fresh flowers on the day of viewings will breathe life into your home and a sweet vanilla or linen scent throughout the house will help your buyers feel more welcome and positive. It’s also a great way to mask any unpleasant odours, such as cooking and pet smells.
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